Emo turn to club stalwart ahead of 2020 season

Emo GAA club have appointed John Strong as their senior football manager ahead of the 2020 season.

Strong takes over from Paul Lawlor who had been player-manager for the past three years.

Lawlor guided Emo to Laois intermediate glory in his first year in charge in 2017 and then to the quarter-final and Round 3 in the senior grade in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Strong has been involved in a managerial role with Emo on a couple of previous occasions over the past 15 years, including 2004 when he guided Emo to a senior final appearance which they lost to a Portlaoise side that later reached the All Ireland club final.

He came on as a sub in that game, having previously played in county finals with Emo in 1994 and 1986.

Strong, who is father of former Laois player Darren, has managed a number of other clubs also.

He was over Courtwood when they reached the 2007 intermediate final and won the intermediate grade with Clonaslee in 2010.

He later served as a selector with the Laois minors in 2015 and seniors in 2016, both under manager Mick Lillis.

Steven Miller is owner and managing editor of LaoisToday.ie. From Laois, Steven studied Journalism in DCU and has 14 years experience in the media, almost 10 of those in an editorial role. Husband of Emily, father of William and Lillian, he's happiest when he's telling stories or kicking a point.